Canada has always been a welcoming place for caregivers and nannies, and now it’s made it even easier for people to build a life here. The government has relaxed some of the requirements, like lowering the language and education benchmarks, and it has also removed the need for Canadian work experience.
This means that if you’ve worked as a caregiver or nanny in another country, that experience also counts! It’s a big step forward in making the process more inclusive and accessible for many hardworking individuals.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the New Home Caregiver Immigration Pilot, also known as the Canada Nanny Visa. We’ll explore how it works, who’s eligible, and what this means for those dreaming of calling Canada their new home. Let’s get started!
What’s New in the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots?
Two Streams to Choose From
The program will have two streams:
- Workers in Canada: If you’re already working in Canada full-time (in a non-seasonal job), you can apply as soon as the pilots open on March 31, 2025.
- Applicants Not Working in Canada: This stream will open later, so stay tuned for updates.
The New Canada Nanny Visa Pilots are designed to simplify the immigration process for home care workers, making it more accessible and flexible. Here’s what’s changed:
Direct Path to Permanent Residency
You won’t need to go through multiple steps anymore. If you qualify, you and your family can apply for permanent residency right away—there is no need for Canadian work experience first.
Lower Language and Education Requirements
The language requirement has been reduced to CLB/NCLC level 4, which means basic proficiency in English or French is enough. You’ll also only need a high school diploma or equivalent to meet the education criteria.
Foreign Experience Counts
You don’t need to have worked in Canada before. You’re eligible as long as you have at least 6 months of recent, relevant work experience or a caregiver training certificate from your home country.
Work Where You’re Needed
You’ll have the flexibility to work in different settings, such as private homes, care agencies, or organizations that provide short-term care. All you need is a full-time job offer in-home care (outside Quebec).
Apply for Canada Nanny Visa
Find out today if you qualify for Nanny Work Visa.
Who Can Apply for New Nanny Visa Canada?
Here’s what you’ll need to qualify:
- Language Skills: Basic proficiency in English or French (CLB/NCLC level 4).
- Education: A high school diploma or higher (equivalent to Canadian standards).
- Experience: At least 6 months of recent, relevant work experience or a caregiver training certificate.
- Job Offer: A full-time job offer in-home care (outside Quebec).
The best part? You won’t need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), making the process smoother for workers and employers.
How to Prepare for the New Nanny Visa?
While the full details will be announced closer to the launch date, here’s how you can start preparing:
If You’re in Canada:
- Take a language test to prove your English or French skills.
- Get your education assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
If You’re Outside Canada:
- Wait for more details about the Applicants Not Working in Canada stream. For now, focus on gathering your work experience or training documents.
What If You’ve Applied to Previous Programs?
- If you previously applied to the Home Child Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot, here’s what you need to know:
- These pilots ended on June 17, 2024, but applications received on or before this date will continue to be processed.
- If you applied under the Gaining Experience category and now have enough eligible work experience, you can submit your proof to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- If you haven’t applied to these previous programs, you may still be eligible to apply under the new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots.
What If You’re a Home Care Worker Without Status in Canada?
Even if you don’t currently have legal status in Canada, there’s still hope. A public policy has been introduced to allow a limited number of home care workers without status to apply under the new pilots. This is a unique opportunity to regularize your status and work toward permanent residency.
Ready to Apply for a Canadian Nanny Visa?
Apply for a Nanny Work Visa with the help of our Licensed RCIC Experts.
Need Professional Help with Nanny/Caregiver Visa?
If you’re looking for professional assistance in obtaining a visa for a nanny or caregiver, look no further than ELAAR Immigration. We specialize in helping prospective caregivers, nannies, and employers navigate through the complex immigration process. Our team of Regulated Immigration Consultants is well-versed in the caregiver and nanny sponsorship programs. You can count on us to provide expert guidance every step of the way. Get in touch with us today to start your journey towards securing the right visa for your needs!
